Citroën B10 classic cars for sale

Introduction and history of Citroën B10

Launched in 1924, the Citroën B10 emerged in a period when automotive manufacturing was rapidly transitioning from hand-built models to modern serial production. The B10 distinguished itself not just as a successor to the landmark Citroën Type B2, but also as the first European car with a pressed-steel body structure, a collaboration with the French coachbuilder André Citroën and the steelworks Budd Company from the USA. The B10 instantly addressed the increasing need for more robust and fire-resistant bodies in passenger cars and positioned Citroën at the forefront of automotive progress in interwar Europe.

Model history

The Citroën B10 was a direct evolution of the B2 series, inheriting its drive technology but changing the body construction paradigm entirely. The model was produced between 1924 and 1925, and its lifespan was short due to the rapid advancement in production and design technology. It was succeeded by the Citroën B12, which improved the steel body concept further with stronger chassis components to handle the extra weight. Thus, the B10 marks a turning point in Citroën's early series models, bridging the gap between wooden and steel automotive bodies.

Highlights of Citroën B10

The defining feature of the Citroën B10 is its all-steel body—a radical innovation on the European market at the time, significantly enhancing the car's durability and safety compared to its contemporaries with wooden frames. This innovation, however, increased the car's overall weight and required further chassis reinforcement, issues addressed in the successor, B12. Early B10 models are now rare due to their short production period and the tendency for many to succumb to corrosion before the technology was fully matured.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No factory special editions of the Citroën B10 are documented, as the run was brief and focused almost exclusively on adopting the steel bodywork. Some commercial variants or specific coachbuilt bodies may exist, custom-made for niche buyers at the time.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

While no specific known issues are provided, owners of the Citroën B10 typically pay close attention to rust due to the pioneering steel body. Chassis and frame components may also be prone to wear if the structure has not been sympathetically restored. Given the age of these vehicles, sourcing original mechanical replacement parts—especially body panels—can be a significant challenge.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The B10, with its 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, delivered a modest performance by today's standards but offered reliability for its time. The reinforced steel body impacted the car’s weight and handling, so the B10 is best suited for leisurely classic car events and short pleasure drives. Its three-speed manual gearbox is straightforward, and the overall driving experience reflects 1920s standards: functional but not brisk, and requiring attentive handling because of the period chassis and suspension technology. Among the B10 series, standard passenger cars with the original pressed steel bodies are most representative. Cabriolet versions and any body styles retained in original condition hold particular significance due to their rarity and historical importance.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and design

Visually, the Citroën B10 carries the upright, minimalist lines characteristic of the early 1920s, with its steel panels giving a smoother finish and greater uniformity than its wooden-bodied predecessors. Interiors were simple, prioritising durability over comfort, with minimal exuberances in upholstery or controls. The body colour palette was limited, typically dark shades with understated detailing. Accessories and luxury features were rare—these cars reflected pragmatic design focused on solid construction rather than embellishment.

Other relevant features

A defining attribute of the Citroën B10 is its pioneering production method, which presaged widespread industry adoption in the years to follow. Surviving examples on the market are almost exclusively treasured by collectors dedicated to preserving early industrial milestones.

Summary

The Citroën B10 represents a crucial chapter in the transition to steel-bodied passenger cars and underscores Citroën’s lasting influence on European automotive manufacturing. Its short production run and technical innovations make it a unique find for dedicated collectors interested in significant moments of motoring history.